Tuesday, September 22, 2009

John 13:35 "How Do We Love Others?"

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. ~John 13:35

Loving others begins with loving God. When we completely surrender to Him and His will, His love within us helps us see others as He sees them if we just open our spiritual eyes. We then stop judging others because we see the decrepit state of our own heart, and instead, afford others the same grace and mercy that was shown to us by the Father.


Since we are battling sin and self-centeredness daily, we must choose to reach out to others in love. We can love in dramatic ways such as caring for a dying friend or helping someone make rent this month. Or it can be in small, simple kindnesses like saying hello, giving a smile, helping someone with their groceries. The range is wide and never ending. The point is to love God by loving others – the proof is in the action.


Further Thoughts:

  1. After surrendering true love to God, love for others begins at home. How can you love better those who know you best?
  2. Friends and co-workers are next in the line of priority. What can you do for someone today that will show him/her the love of God?
  3. Random acts of kindness should infiltrate every part of our life. Did you make anyone’s day special today?
  4. Review these Scriptures on loving others -- 1 John 4:21; Rom. 12:9; 10 Commandments. What do you observe from these passages?


Father, fill me with a love of grace and mercy. Guide me away from self-centered desires and help me to see others as You see them and love them with Your love. Amen.

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